Growth is seen by increase in STATURE, ABILITY, MATURITY and RESPONSIBILITY.

Ephesians 4:15 but, speaking the truth in love, may GROW UP in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—

2 Thessalonians 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith GROWS exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other,

1 Peter 2:2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may GROW thereby, 2 Peter 3:18 but GROW in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

Spiritual growth causes increase in CHRISTLIKENESS (Ephesians 4:13-15) and FRUITFULNESS (John 15:8, 2 Peter 1:8).

HOW GROWTH HAPPENS #1, Eating #2, Exercising #3, Training #4, Stretching #5, Testing #6, Resting

but was must move on to consuming SOLID FOOD (Hebrews 5:13-14, 6:1-2) #1, EATING We start off with MILK (1 Peter 2:2), but was must move on to consuming SOLID FOOD (Hebrews 5:13-14, 6:1-2)

Don't be a "candy christian"! #1, EATING Don't be a "candy christian"!

How and with what have you been feeding yourself spiritually? #1, EATING How and with what have you been feeding yourself spiritually?

#2, EXERCISING To exercise is to practise - putting into life application the things we learn James 1:22

Training involves a more rigorous learning process through SELF-DISCIPLINE and COACHING (where available)

How Paul trained Timothy: #3, TRAINING How Paul trained Timothy: 2 Timothy 3:10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance,

He encouraged Timothy to do this for others: #3, TRAINING He encouraged Timothy to do this for others: 2 Timothy 2:2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

Training (Discipling) Others As you grow you are able to "train" or "disciple" others

Discipleship is about developing PEOPLE not just improving programs. #3, TRAINING Discipleship at APC Discipleship is about developing PEOPLE not just improving programs. New Believers -> Disciples -> Ministers -> Leaders

#3, TRAINING How can we know if someone is developing as a disciple? We can see them: grow in their commitment to Christ, His Word and the work of the Spirit grow in Christlikeness in life and character

#3, TRAINING How can we know if someone is developing as a disciple? We can see them: grow in Christian disciplines as prayer, worship, witness grow into their life's purpose - finding their place and serving the Lord

#3, TRAINING How can we know if someone is developing as a disciple? We can see them: turn around and start discipling others, taking on responsibility in ministry to others

Creating a Discipleship Culture at APC #3, TRAINING Creating a Discipleship Culture at APC where everyone takes interest and works with others to help them in their spiritual growth

Creating a Discipleship Culture at APC #3, TRAINING Creating a Discipleship Culture at APC #1, CONNECTIONS HAPPEN one on one, in group settings (e.g. Life Groups), and across generations (age groups)

Creating a Discipleship Culture at APC #3, TRAINING Creating a Discipleship Culture at APC #2, discipleship happens based on relationships, and is more LIFE CENTRIC rather than program centric

Creating a Discipleship Culture at APC #3, TRAINING Creating a Discipleship Culture at APC #3, people are encouraged to identify where they need to grow and work on those areas. We need NOT SCRIPT peoples spiritual journey. We should HELP SHAPE their journey.

Creating a Discipleship Culture at APC #3, TRAINING Creating a Discipleship Culture at APC #4, disciple IN THE MIDDLE OF LIFE - not outside of life, and it should happen anytime, anywhere.

Creating a Discipleship Culture at APC #3, TRAINING Creating a Discipleship Culture at APC Start having intentional spiritual conversations with people

challenges, responsibilities and assignments bigger than ourselves, #4, STRETCHING As we TAKE ON challenges, responsibilities and assignments bigger than ourselves, we grow through these

#4, STRETCHING 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

#5, TESTING God's TESTS are meant to get us to the next level in our walk with Him. The devil's TEMPTATIONS are an inducement to sin. The devil's ATTACKS are an attempt to steal, kill or destroy what is ours.

#5, TESTING Here are some tests we see God presenting His people with, in Scripture: The Endurance test (Abraham Romans 4:17-21, Hebrews 6:12) The Blessing test (Abraham Genesis 22:1-2, Hebrews 11:17-19)

#5, TESTING Here are some tests we see God presenting His people with, in Scripture: The Promise test (Joseph Psalm 105:17-22) The Abundance test (Israel Exodus 16:4, Deuteronomy 8:23)

#5, TESTING Here are some tests we see God presenting His people with, in Scripture: The Adversity test (Israel Judges 2:20-23, 3:1-6) Romans 5:3-4

If you fail a test, get up and try again. Pass the test. #5, TESTING If you fail a test, get up and try again. Pass the test. Even if you fall to the ground when facing a temptation, an attack, a trial or tribulation - get back up and fight the good fight of faith.

by being in God’s presence #6, RESTING Rest and be renewed by being in God’s presence in solitude

HOW GROWTH HAPPENS #1, Eating #2, Exercising #3, Training #4, Stretching #5, Testing #6, Resting